Protein packed and vegan, these cacao bars give a whole new meaning to healthy snacking!!
Between media events, features, recipes, and the ‘meat’ of our behind the scenes stories, we’re often asked how we have time for all that goes on with the site, and how we manage to stay so active. The truth is, however, the vast majority of what we do happens behind a desk, and is divided between several screens of varying sizes.
As a result, we, like everyone else, must make a conscious effort to keep active. It is only through force of will that we manage to put down the plastic prosthesis that our phones have morphed into, and to unplug from the computers whose data may as well flow like a physical property through our veins.
However, much like Keanu after ripping himself free from the bonds of his computerized prison the Matrix, we too are weary when separated from our screens. More often than not, when all is said and done, we’re yearning to trade in the computer chair for a couch, and the computer screen for a TV screen. Activity be damned, we’re tired.
Regardless of our digitally induced exhaustion, our humanity refuses to be ignored, and when it is, it strikes back. Whether in the pain of underused joints or increasing levels of lethargy, our human side insists upon making itself known. However, with the warmer spring weather upon us, now is no time to give into aches, pains, and exhaustion. No, now it is time to overcome one’s tiredness, and brave the great outdoors, and that is precisely where these energy bars come in.
Made with protein powder, dates, flax seed, coconut oil, flakes, and oatmeal, these bars are equal parts health and flavor. A sweet, chocolaty exterior melds into a rich grainy center, providing the perfect boost either before or during a workout, while gracing the body with copious amounts of protein, and a healthy source of energy.
Cacao Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cacao butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 6 dates
- 2 tablespoons ground oats
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon flax seed
- 1 teaspoon ground wheat germ
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
- 3 tablespoons organic chocolate
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- In your food processor, mix cacao butter, coconut oil, dates, oats, protein powder, flax seed, wheat germ, and coconut flakes.
- Shape the the mixture into a rectangular bar on tinfoil or parchment paper. Wrap and freeze for about 15 minutes.
- Melt chocolate and spread evenly over bar, then immediately sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.
- Let the chocolate cool and set.
- Store in the freezer or fridge until ready to enjoy.
Forward written by Michael Pappas
Recipe constructed by Tammy Pappas
Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says
My tummy insists that healthy ain't healthy for it most of the time, but with you being you, it is willing to give them a try. Oh, and it ain't no April-Foolin'. I should be back in the normal swing of things on Wednesday.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I make something similar to these and they are a BIG hit with everything that has tried them. Yum!
Chris Scheuer says
So true! We do have to make the time to take care of ourselves! These look wonderful and they sound like they'd be perfect to have on hand for revitalization. It does seem like every day is a crazy day for those with a blog/farm ( that's what we call it as the work is never done :)).
Chiara says
perfect to have on hand ! have a good day , xoxo
Tanya Walton says
Sound nice and very east to make... My Hubby is a big biker and I think he would enjoy these whilst out riding!!
Hootin' Anni says
Looks scrumptious. The chocolate is something I must stay away from for now...the caffeine is on my list of prohibited foods. Even a morsel of that makes my heart go into a tailspin. I'm wondering if white chocolate could be substituted.
Hootin' Anni says
ps...thanks, Catherine, for such an endearing comment!!!
Living the Gourmet says
Dear Anni, I understand. White chocolate would work beautifully with this recipe.
If you try this I hope that you will enjoy it.
xoxo Catherine
Rajiv says
Cool protein bars....
Yummy dish !
Nice blog and cool posts 🙂
Ginny Hartzler says
Your bars are beautiful! Much prettier than all the ones in the stores. And I know they taste better too!
V says
What a healthy dessert or snack idea. Perfect for a sweet tooth, but one that also wants to stay in shape!
Comedy Plus says
What a great way to boost your energy when needed. I used to do this type of thing mid morning years ago when I was working. Really made a difference in my performance. I never had anything that looked this good though.
Have a terrific day. ☺
Alida says
Oh they look lovely! Perfectly made and surely delicious. I love cacao! Ciao!
Annalisa B says
An interesting recipe!!!
Kisses!
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Tammy and Michael,
Cacao Protein Bars look very delicious, plus they give us that extra push when we need it. Perfect to have these bars ready for when I am writing....when i need that boast. Fabulous post!
Dottie 🙂
tanna says
This looks decadent and delicious! That's my kind of healthy food! Thank you all! blessings ~ tanna
gloria says
Tammy these bars look really cool!! I love them!!
xoxo
Sandra Czosek says
I am going to make these without the coconut!
Sandra Czosek says
You need a print button!
Sandra Czosek says
Okay I copied and pasted and saw the print button!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heather at Basilmomma says
This would make a perfect breakfast for me!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Um...YES!~ You know I'm a fan of this and I love how you used dates!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
I love the simplicity of these bars! They sound like the perfect afternoon fuel to get me through the day!
Abigail says
This is the kind of snack my hubby loves! Healthy and deliciously good - I love it!
GiGi Eats says
Mmm! These look crunchy and phenomenal! I am very impressed! Wrap these up and sell them at the store, seriously!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
These are the perfect after work-out snack!
Anna | ANNAdventure says
These sound incredible and simple to make. Yum!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Great post, which couldn't be more true! These would make a great snack when I break away -- they look really indulgent -- good to know they're full of goodness 🙂
Libby with Lemony Thyme says
These look and sounds delicious. Perfect snack for my healthy choices plan.
Katerina says
A very healthy snack indeed! Perfect for my son's schoolbag!
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets) says
These look fabulous. Is there something you would recommend substituting for the wheat germ?
AnnMarie says
These look good enough to eat! 🙂 I am usually inhibited by ingredients that I don't normally use but I have a great grocery store nearby that will have all of them. Pinned!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I bet these would be a big hit with my hubby!! Definitely trying!
Del's cooking twist says
They look wonderful. Would be a perfect breakfast or snack after training!
Marla says
These bars sound fabulous and so easy to make. thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted,
April J Harris says
What a delicious way to stay full of energy! Your Cacao Protein Bars look so tasty! Pinned and will tweet.
Ally Freeman says
Yummy! check out my brand you blog! Love your stuff
Marla says
Just a note to let you know that I have chosen your posts as one of my features for this week Real Food Fridays blog hop that goes live @7 pm EST. Thanks for being part of Real Food Fridays. Sorry I could not get the picture of your protein bars to copy on blog for some unknown reason. Have a healthy week!
Mobile App Developers says
Hey keep posting such good and meaningful articles.
Joanne T Ferguson says
These look absolutely delicious and wish I could try one right now with a cup of tea!
Mobile Application Developers says
Wow...Yummy Cacao Bars. Thanks for sharing.
App Developers Gurgaon says
Nice post, things explained in details. Thank You.
App Development Bangalore says
Amazing blog and very interesting stuff you got here! I definitely learned a lot from reading through some of your earlier posts as well and decided to drop a comment on this one!
Buy Contact Lenses Online says
Hey keep posting such good and meaningful articles.
Siddharth Opticals says
Very excellent blog. I read this have fruitful content and helpful for me. Thanks for publishing this blog.
marie johson says
I love making snack bars for work and it's no secret that I love chocolate, Cacao protein bars are so delicious <3 Thanks fir the recipe 🙂
Maryse says
Belle and thank you for this amazing yet simple recipe. I had to try it right away to surprise company. Since I didn’t have a couple of items, I substituted easily and simply and it still turned out to be the best snack morsels ever……appreciated by gourmet guests. A hit!
Fyi: I had to replace the protein powder by cacao powder and vanilla extract and also replaced the wheat germ with a bit more ground oats. I do as I am inspired with what I have and the result was still fantastic! Thank you for the inspiration!